£2.5m Trafford padel club gets the green light

Comprising 11 courts on Peel Waters-owned land close to the Trafford Centre, the scheme will see The Padel Club build on the success of its Wilmslow venue.

Trafford Council has approved plans for the £2.5m padel complex, to be constructed on a 1.5-acre site next to Chill Factore. However, enthusiasts will have to wait until the end of the year to step onto the courts.

The scheme will feature a pair of open-air courts and nine covered courts. Additionally, there will be a clubhouse and facilities that will provide a social space for players.

James Whittaker, executive director for Peel Waters, said bringing operators like The Padel Clubv to TraffordCity is part of a long-term strategy.

“Peel has had a vision since the early nineties to bring the best retail and leisure offerings and experiences together in one place.

“We are excited that TraffordCity will now be the home of the biggest Padel facility in the North to further enhance the unparalleled choice of sport and wellbeing available.”

Former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, along with cricketers Michael Vaughan and Jos Buttler and footballer James Milner, was among the early investors in The Padel Club.  

The complex is said to be the largest of its kind in the North. Credit: via Peel

“This is such great news for the club, which has worked hard to build a very sociable and successful padel club in Wilmslow,” Given said.

“I love to play padel. It’s such an accessible and enjoyable sport, that everyone can play. We are looking forward to the club expanding to TraffordCity.”

Padel is a racquet sport typically played in doubles on enclosed courts and is often described as a hybrid between squash and tennis. It originated in Mexico and is popular in parts of mainland Europe, including France and Spain.

In recent years, the sport has started to take off in the UK. The number of clubs is growing but demand far outstrips supply at present. The closest club to Manchester at present is The Padel Club’s Wilmslow site.

However, developers and operators are beginning to act on the opportunity the sport presents.

Club de Padel has opened a four-court complex at Renaker’s New Jackson neighbourhood and plans for a complex within FEC’s Victoria North masterplan were unveiled earlier this year.

In recent months, plans for padel courts have emerged in Wirral, Preston, and Wrexham.

Kristopher Ball, founder and chief executive, at The Padel Club added: “We are incredibly excited to expand our Padel Club to the vibrant grounds of TraffordCity.

“This new facility marks a pivotal moment for us, and we look forward to welcoming both seasoned players and newcomers to experience the joy of Padel in this world-class destination.”